Welfare Fund for ActionAid Staff in Myanmar

On the 1st of February 2021 the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military) took control of Myanmar in a coup that has had and will continue to have grave effects for Myanmar people, civil society, and the exercise of civil and political rights. Violence perpetrated by the army has dramatically escalated; the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports (as of the 5th of April) that over 570 people (including at least 43 children) have been killed and 2728 people have been arrested, detained or sentenced (which includes one ActionAider).

Myanmar people are desperately fleeing to neighbouring countries, communication channels have been unilaterally blocked, people are unable to work and earn money, and violent crackdowns on peaceful protestors happen every day.

Our Myanmar colleagues have been working round the clock to not only do their jobs supporting ongoing ActionAid projects up and down the country, but also contribute to democratic movements, sometimes at a great personal cost. One ActionAid member of staff was arrested and detained in police custody for three weeks; she has thankfully now been released. The emotional and physical toll on staff is understandably significant and the dangers our colleagues face are huge.

A small staff welfare fund has been set up to help cover urgent costs like:
·       Psycho-social support and trauma counselling
·       GBV prevention/response support
·       Relocation support
·       Legal support
·       Hardship support – if family members have been arrested or if there are drastic changes in financial circumstances

Please consider supporting our brave, resilient Myanmar friends and colleagues in their time of need. Any contribution no matter how small will be grateful received and passed on to Araddhya Mehtta the ActionAid Country Director.

Thanks, 

Sarah Woodcock
Global Programme Funding Advisor (ActionAid Global Secretariat)